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And when the Mihdí is made manifest, He shall lean His back against the Ka‘bih82ACT8 and shall address to the three hundred and thirteen followers83ACT8 who will have grouped around Him, these words: “The Baqíyyatu’lláh will be best for you if ye are of those who believe.” 84ACT8
Shortly after his arrival, Quddús asked Mullá Husayn to determine the number of the assembled companions. Nabíl recounts:
One by one he [Mullá Husayn] counted them and passed them in through the gate of the fort: three hundred and twelve in all. He himself was entering the fort in order to acquaint Quddús with the result, when a youth, who had hastened all the way on foot from Bárfurúsh, suddenly rushed in and seizing the hem of his garment, pleaded to be enrolled among the companions and to be allowed to lay down his life, whenever required, in the path of the Beloved. His wish was readily granted. When Quddús was informed of the total number of the companions, he remarked: “Whatever the tongue of the Prophet of God has spoken concerning the promised One must needs be fulfilled …”85ACT8
With this, Quddús ordered that no further individuals be allowed to enter the fort. 86ACT8
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